STEPLADDER GUIDE

THE RIGHT WAY

CHOOSING A STEPLADDER
What to look for when youre buying or borrowing Many different designs are available, from small step-stools to larger stepladders and combination designs which can be converted into extending ladders. The type bought most often are the 4 to 7 step folding versions, as illustrated here. These are suited to many jobs around the house, but its very important never to use any stepladder thats the wrong height for the particular job youre doing. Some are too short for high work, and some just as dangerous are too tall for lower work. You must be able to do your work comfortably without overreaching up, down or sideways. All stepladders should meet the required British or European standards check this whenever you buy, hire or borrow one. BS 1129:1990 (British) applies to wooden ladders BS 2037:1994 (British) applies to metal ladders BS EN 131:1993 (European) applies to both BS 7377:1994 (British) applies to step-stools Is it strong enough? New stepladders are generally marked according to their safe working load. This classification, however, can vary slightly in the values given and has caused confusion. The variation is due to the different way in which the values for safe working are expressed. In the British Standard it is Duty rating. These have been arrived at by taking into account the general conditions and probable frequency of use for each type. The European Standard uses Maximum static vertical load. To help clarify this, we have given both sets of figures. British Standard stepladders to BS 2037 (Aluminium) or BS 1129 (Wood) or BS 7377 (Step-stools): Class 1 (Industrial) Duty rating 130kg (20 stone) = Maximum vertical static load 175kg Class 3 (Domestic) Duty rating 95kg (15 stone) = Maximum vertical static load 125kg

Right height for the job no overreaching Good grip 3 points of contact Front towards work Correct Flat shoes Clean treads Four feet in good condition Firm and level base
Step in good condition

THE WRONG WAY

European Standard stepladders to BS/EN 131 (all types): (Previous Class 2) Duty rating 115kg (18 stone) = Maximum vertical static load 150kg

IS IT SAFE?
Most stepladder accidents are caused by human error, not by ladders failing. But any equipment in poor condition is potentially dangerous, so do this quick check before each job. Is the stepladder generally sound? No damage to the stiles (the outside uprights) or steps or top platform? Dents, bends, cracks and splits are all hazards. If you do find any structural damage, don't attempt to repair it you need a new stepladder. Are the rubber or plastic non-slip feet all safely in position? Before you use the stepladder, any missing ones must be replaced you can usually get these from the manufacturer. Make sure the steps are all clean and tidy.

Overhead hazard Wrong height step for the job - overreaching No grip on step - only 2 points of contact Standing on top handrail Slippers - incorrect footwear Loose tools Working side on Slippery treads Uneven soft ground, no flat board Damaged stiles & treads Missing feet

Every month, more than a thousand people need hospital treatment because of accidents at home involving stepladders...

..ABOVE ALL BE CAREFUL

LF 12000/C

supplied by Lansford Access Ltd - 0117 935 4664 - www.ladders999.co.uk

LADDER GUIDE
WORK THE SAFE WAY
THE RIGHT WAY

BEFORE YOU START

Not every job can be done with just a ladder or by you on your own. So always check: Are you up to the job? If youre not completely certain that you can manage everything involved in doing the job properly, get professional help. Is a ladder up to the job? Think ahead to what youll have to do at every stage. If youll need to move around while youre up there, or carry lots of materials, or use heavy equipment, a ladder may not be sufficient. You might be better off using a mobile tower or scaffolding. You must always be able to extend the ladder by at least 1.1m above any step-off height. All ladders should meet the required British or European standards. New ladders are generally marked according to their safe working load. This classification, however, can vary slightly in the values given and has caused confusion. The variation is due to the different way in which the values for safe working are expressed. In the British Standard it is Duty rating and have been arrived at by taking into account the general conditions and probable frequency of use for each type. The European Standard uses Maximum vertical static load. To help clarify this, we have given both sets of figures. British Standard ladders to either BS 2037 (Aluminium) or BS 1129 (Wood): Class 1 (Industrial) Duty rating 130kg (20 stone) = Max vertical static load 175kg Class 3 (Domestic) Duty rating 95kg (15 stone) = Max vertical static load 125kg European Standard ladders to BS/EN 131 (all types): (Previous Class 2) Duty rating 115kg (18 stone) = Max vertical static load 150kg

Good grip Correct Flat shoes Clean rungs Ladder in good condition
Right height for the job no overreaching Ladder at correct angle 65-75 degrees Firm and level base

ONE

OUT

THE WRONG WAY

Electrical hazard Overhead hazard Wrong height for the job overreaching Not holding on-only 2 points of contact Overloaded with material Standing on top 3 rungs Slippers-incorrect footwear Mud on rungs Damaged ladder Foot missing or damaged Unstable surface Base too far from wall

Its likely that this week someone in Britain will die from an accident with a ladder, and more than a hundred will be injured. Most of these accidents occur during household maintenance and DIY, when someone falls from a ladder or the ladder itself falls because its being used wrongly...

LF 12000/C

supplied by Lansford Access Ltd - 0117 935 4664 - www.ladders999.co.uk

..ABOVE ALL BE CAREFUL

FOUR UP

Two non-slip feet in good condition